Wootz steel is a
crucible steel characterized by a pattern of bands, which are formed by sheets of micro
carbides within a tempered
martensite or
pearlite matrix in higher carbon steel, or by ferrite and pearlite banding in lower carbon steels. It is the pioneering steel alloy matrix developed in
South India in the sixth century BC and exported globally. It was also known in the ancient world by many different names including Wootz, Ukku, Hindwani and
Seric Iron.